Derelict buildings target of new laws

COUNCILS will be given more power to deal with dilapidated buildings under new drafted legislation.

The draft of the amended bill was released yesterday by Deputy Premier Bryan Green and outlines that councils will be given the power to request works on run-down buildings in the community.

``Councils would have the ability to take action if a neglected or damaged building is affecting a neighbour's amenity,'' Mr Green said.

Councils only have the power to direct building owners to complete work to buildings, not to force them or require work to be done under planning schemes.

Councils have been vocal in their desire for an the amendment and Mr Green said it (the amendment) struck the right balance between resolving local nuisance caused by dilapidated buildings, and protecting the rights of building owners.

Devonport Mayor Steve Martin, who has been advocating strongly for this amendment, responded positively to the news of the draft.

``As far as I'm concerned it [the amendment draft] is a step in the right direction,'' Alderman Martin said.

Devonport has had its fair share of contentious eyesore buildings, the most high-profile one being the old Devonport Maternity Hospital.

Alderman Martin said the new amendment, if passed, would be a win-win for local councils and said that it would help to boost the amenity of the city.

``Buildings that are left alone are often vandalised and stripped of assets,'' Alderman Martin said.

He said the push was an important one for councils, which only have powers to request building works if a particular building poses a health risk to residents or that are structurally unsound.

Burnie Mayor Steve Kons welcomed the news of the amendment saying it had been a long time coming.